Host a Drive to Collect Critical Supplies

Youth both on the streets and in housing are in constant need of hygiene supplies, clothing, and food. School supplies help us stretch the budgets for our education programs and support students enrolled in traditional high schools and community colleges. Bus tickets get these young people to job interviews, medical appointments, shelter, and other services.

But hosting a drive doesn't just help provide these and other much-needed items. It's one of the best ways to raise awareness in the community of the challenges facing its homeless youth. Your business, organization, school, church, or other community group can make a big difference by hosting a drive and spreading the word, thus helping us to meet present needs and attract broader support. Find out more about our year-round needs and our current needs.

How to Host a Drive

In-kind donations play an important role in helping us keep costs down and meeting the needs of homeless youth. The list of current needs changes depending on the time of year, and there are ongoing items that are always necessary and useful in this work.

Spread the Word

Most people want to help: they just need to be asked. You can send emails, use postcards or flyers, or post to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. Bring up the drive at meetings and group gatherings. Host a party and ask guests to bring a donated item. YouthCare can help with drafting language and by providing brochures, postcards, and other collateral.

Make it Easy to Donate

Have a central location for people to drop off their items. For office or school drives, make sure you have collection boxes in several locations. You can also collect items during a holiday party or office gathering. Monetary donations, including gift cards, are also welcome; in many cases, they're the best option for youth finding what they need and getting the right fit.

Deliver Your Donations to YouthCare

You can bring your donation to YouthCare’s administrative offices during business hours, Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm. YouthCare is located at 2500 NE 54th St, Seattle, WA 98105. In-kind donation receipts will be issued to you for your tax purposes.